Hailey (the cat)and I head south in the winter to explore the back roads, deserts, coasts, forests, beaches, of the southern US! I 'graduated' from full time work, and have been enjoying the complete freedom ever since. I expect to be in southern climes during the winter times and all over Alberta and Canada during the summer. Come along for the ride. (Photo is of former co-pilot Harley).

Monday, March 23, 2015

Hoover Dam

Every time we camp at Stewarts Point on Lake Mead, it appears that the lake is getting lower and lower. Even the area we have camped for years was clearly under water in past times – judging by the abundance of dry shells strewn about. At least the burros are still there, making their presence known with their peculiar call. While camped there with Don & Donna we decided to make the drive down to the Hoover Dam and see where all that water was going.

Clearly, it was not going over these overflow spillways, high and dry on both sides of the dam! Looks like they have been dry for years as they are well above the present water level.

But first we wanted to have a look at the new highway bridge that diverts traffic from crossing the dam as in the past. A couple big cargo boxes in the back of my truck was enough to get us in the ‘search lane’ on our way down to the bridge! The view of the dam itself from the bridge is very impressive and provides a new angle that did not exist previously.

I had never walked across the dam before, so we parked and walked across and back, while looking up at the new bridge.

Meanwhile, back at Stewarts point, the flowers and cactus were beginning to bloom.

Don & Donna headed out on their southward journey, so it was time for me to head out as well. Pahranagat NWR north of Vegas looked like a good choice.